Actually, this year the Showcase House of Design is in San Marino right on the border of Pasadena and just steps from South Lake Avenue Shopping District. It is truly a magnificent Italian Renaissance Revival estate built in 1917. This gorgeous property was designed by the renowned Pasadena architect G. Lawrence Stimson and has over 10,000 square feet of living space and sits on 2 acres of land.

Rumor has it that this estate belongs to one of San Marino's past city mayors. It's a huge honor to have your home selected to be the Showcase Design home. At the same time, it takes a lot of patience on the part of the owner because they have to move out months ahead of time to allow designers the time to work their magic.

 

pasadena-showcase-house-of-design-2009

 

It is interesting to note that Pasadena's Showcase House of the Arts is an all volunteer organization with members donating their time and talents since 1948. They originally started out as The Pasadena Junior Philharmonic Committee, and adopted the Pasadena Showcase House of Design as their annual benefit in 1965. It is one of the oldest, largest and most successful house and garden tours in the nation. For more information please visit Pasadena's Showcase House website.

I love visiting the Showcase House of Design each year not only to see the amazing transformation and vision of individual designers, but also to visit the shops and restaurant which is catered by Wolfgang Puck. The shops have the most amazing selection of beautiful, hand made gifts - perfect for Mother's Day! I always stop by Wick'd Bean Candle display and load up on my favorite scent - Champagne and Apricot.

The Shops and Restaurant at Showcase hours are:

Tuesdays 9 am to 5 pm

Wednesdays through Friday 9 am to 9 pm

Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm.

Closed on Mondays.

 

The Showcase House Entry Hours:

Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday - 9 am to 3:45 pm

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 9 am to 7:45 pm

Ticket times are scheduled on the quarter hour.

Closed on Mondays.

 

To order tickets, please call 714-442-3872 or visit www.pasadenashowcase.org

 

Ticket Prices are from $30.

 

READ MORE: Pasadena Real Estate Guide

Do you have $52 Million to spare? Extraordinary Pasadena luxury estate